Character Strengths and Deep Connections Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Spiritual and Secular Pathways to Resistance Among Volunteers

• Published in: Journal for the scientific study of religion Vol. 52; no. 3; pp. 537 - 556
• Main Authors: Ai, Amy L., Richardson, Roslyn, Plummer, Carol, Ellison, Christopher G., Lemieux, Catherine, Tice, Terrence N., Huang, Bu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, NJ Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.09.2013; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: Altruism; Belief & doubt; Conceptualization; Cyclones; Demographics; Emotions; Estimation; General subjects. History of religions. Religious anthropology; History and sciences of religions; hope; Hurricane Katrina; Hurricane Rita; Hurricanes; optimism; perceived spiritual support; positive psychology; Protection; Race; Religion; Religious Beliefs; Resilience; Resistance; Spirituality; Students; Studies in religion; Voluntary work; Volunteers; Whites; Methodology; History of religions
• ISSN: 0021-8294; 1468-5906
• DOI: 10.1111/jssr.12043

This study investigated a conceptual model with two pathways, altruism and perceived spiritual support, leading to resilience among student volunteers following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (H-KR). Both strengths share the sense of deep connections. Parallel pathways with the two major constructs were estimated using structural equation modeling, adjusting for demographics and peritraumatic emotional reactions. The two indicators may have served as a protective mechanism for all volunteers despite differing racial/cultural backgrounds. The potential protection of these strength factors was mediated through optimism and hope. Resilience among minority volunteers was associated more with faith-related strengths, as indicated in the relevant pathway that also contributed to their altruistic actions. The resilience of white volunteers, however, was directly associated with altruism, a strength that does depend heavily on religious beliefs. Further, the modification index suggested a direct path from race to depression.